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Hull: Time to buy into the Rider brand

The fact not a single member of the TRN staff picked Rider to pull out a victory against Abilene Cooper Thursday wasn’t lost on first-year Raiders coach Marc Bindel. He was well aware of it, but he didn’t mind, either.

Bindel told me prior to the season that he liked seeing the Raiders in the underdog role. In his mind, it’s when most people aren’t giving the Raiders a chance they perform their best.

Bindel’s theory held water Thursday night. All six members of the TRN pick ‘em line ended up with a loss after the Raiders defeated state-ranked Cooper, 21-7, in a rain-shortened game. The stir caused by comments made by Cooper coach Todd Moebes about whether or not the game should actually count is not an issue that’s going to be addressed in this blog.

An opinion on that topic can be found in Tuesday’s edition of the TRN, but let’s just say the Raiders will have a 1-0 record when the District 5-5A standings are printed next week.

Disputed outcome aside, anyone at the game could see Rider outplayed Cooper for 44 minutes Thursday, and not a single TRN writer predicted it happening.

“I’m glad you didn’t,” Bindel said after Thursday’s game. “I don’t know what it is but our kids play better when everyone is doubting them. It gives them something to prove.”

The TRN staff bought into a brand last week — the Cooper brand. We assumed the Cougars were going to have another game-changing athlete lying in wait. A quarterback to follow in the footsteps of Lorenzo Joe (freshman at University of Texas), Clayton Nicholas (Bowling Green and Cooper passing record holder) and Ryan Heslep (set Cooper passing records in 2009 before Nicholas).

Or a running back like Trey Dye (freshman at BYU), Davon Riddick (junior at Colorado State) or Amon Pimpton (1,500 yards as senior in 2009, signed with ACU).

Thursday marked the seventh consecutive year I’ve covered at least one game involving Abilene Cooper. I’m very familiar with the Cougars and their recent history.

It was always a given the Cougars were going to have an explosive offense that made them a threat every single Friday night. Rider fans and coaches have seen that firsthand the previous four seasons.

But the Cougars were anything but explosive Thursday. Big plays in the passing game were non-existent and while tailbacks Skyler Wilson and Devin Johnson showed promise, they struggled to break off too many long runs. The Cougars averaged 5.6 yards on 42 attempts. That’s a great number in higher levels of football, but it’s not that impressive in this day and age of high school football.

By comparison, Rider averaged 7.7 yards on 26 carries. That’s probably more in line with what most great high school offenses are going to average. Think it’s too much? Thank the creation of the spread offense.

Today’s version of high school football is no longer about playing shutdown defense. It’s about getting stops. The Raiders’ defense made big plays when it needed to most Thursday. The goal-line stand was incredible and probably the largest deciding factor in the game. Forcing the Cougars into three turnovers didn’t hurt matters.

Offensively, T.J. Vasher lived up to the potential anybody with a pair of decently working eyes could see he had. Vasher is nearly unstoppable in one-on-one situations, and he’s turned into a strong enough route runner that he can get separation against double teams as well. Cooper defensive backs must have been feeling some sort of dread looking across the line of scrimmage at the 6 foot, 5 inch monster they were being asked to cover.

The TRN sports staff bought into the wrong brand Thursday night. The Rider brand deserves the same level of reverence we gave Cooper.

But Bindel’s wish to be the underdog was washed away when the rain started to fall at Shotwell Stadium Thursday. Chances are every single TRN prognosticator is going to take the Raiders next week when they host Amarillo High.

“No, you don’t want to do that,” Bindel said laughing after I informed him of the likely scenario. “They’re a 6A team and they’re always tough. They’re the favorite.”

Bindel’s crafty politicking to remain the underdog aside, the Raiders are rarely going to be the underdog for the remainder of the season.

IT WASN’T PRETTY, BUT IT DIDN’T NEED TO BE

Old High’s win Friday against Mansfield Summit wouldn’t win any beauty contests, but that’s kind of the identity of the Coyotes isn’t it?

Anyone who has caught just a game or two of the Coyotes since their immaculate run into the postseason last year began probably doesn’t come away thinking they just watched the crispest team in the state. A lot of what Old High pulls off probably looks like good breaks to the casual observer.

Whether it was Eric Butler making what most would consider an ill-advised pass across his body from one side of the field clear across to the other sideline for what turned out to be a 22-yard TD pass to Mikal Penn. Or Penn’s own prayer he lofted in the direction of Garron Nash on a double-pass trick play to convert a fourth-and-15 on the Coyotes’ game-winning drive.

Neither of those plays were executed beautifully. But they worked out perfectly.

They Coyotes are that equivalent of that average looking girl (or I guess it could be a guy) in high school who turns out to be a model in college.

It should be clear by now this team is going to find a way to win more times than not.

FAT MAN’S PARADISE

If you’ve seen me, you’ll notice I am a full-figured man. I got no shame in who I am.

The one thing I love more than eating and is eating unhealthy. Each week, my blog will include a review of the meal I chose to place on my company credit card while I was on the road following the game I was assigned. I will never write a review of a chain restaurant or an establishment you might find in Wichita Falls. I’m looking for mom & pops type places where the food isn’t prepared beforehand.

This week’s section of the blog will be a bit longer than future editions as I covered two games and stopped in at two different restaurants.

Heff’s Burgers & More in Abilene

Abilene — Heff’s Burgers & More (3374 Rebecca Lane)

This is an old standby for me. I knew what I was getting as soon as I walked in the door. Anytime I’m in Abilene, I’m making my way over to Heff’s, which is located not too far from Highway 277/83.

For me, Heff’s burger is all about the bun. While the meat is seasoned well, isn’t dry and given to you in a fair portion, the option to have it served on a jalapeno cheese sourdough bread sets this burger apart. They have regular bun and other sourdough options as well.

I opted for the mushroom swiss variation of the burger on this visit, but just going with a traditional burger with no extra bells and whistles is a good decision as well. There are several different options for sides, but get the twister fries — light, flaky and seasoned right.

For my money, Heff’s is the best burger in Abilene (they’ve won that award before) and it’s honestly one of my top five favorite burgers I’ve ever had.

Mary’s Cafe in Strawn

Strawn — Mary’s Cafe (119 Grant Ave.)

My original intention Friday was to make the trip to Mansfield and have dinner before the Old High game at Cha Cha’s, one of my favorite Mexican food restaurants. I haven’t been there in a few years, but I’d still recommend it to anyone. Their shrimp enchiladas have always been a favorite of mine.

But on the suggestion of Abilene Reporter News photographer Tommy Metthe I stopped off in Strawn at Mary’s Cafe instead. And I’m glad I did as I enjoyed one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.

It’s not too far off I-20 if you ever find yourself driving east from Abilene. Considering how small Strawn is, the reputation of Mary’s must be strong considering how many people filled up the restaurant.

Tommy suggested the chicken fried steak, telling me that it was “Jon-sized.” He had my attention.

The chicken fried steak came in three sizes. Now, don’t let the price scare you here. The smallest version of he chicken fried steak is $10. The largest, which I went with, is $16.50. The portions are absolutely massive.

I ordered the large and I don’t think I even ate half of it. That steak ended up feeding me for the remainder of my trip. And it was a true homemade chicken fry with a thin crust and a homemade savory gravy.

I got mashed potatoes and fried okra as a side. The okra was the surprise of the meal. It was cooked perfectly — not burnt but not slimy, either. The potatoes weren’t mashed enough for my taste. I’d opt for the baked potato on my next visit. I saw one brought out and it’s a massive spud.

I doubt I can ever drive within the vicinity of Strawn and pass up stopping at Mary’s again.